AQA GCSE Combined Science Biology

Topic 1
Cell Biology
Model answer notes by @biologywitholivia

Topic Sub-topic Understand Memorise Practise

1.1 1.1.1 Eukaryotes and prokaryotes

Cell
structure 1.1.2 Animal and plant cells

Required practical 1

1.1.3 Cell specialisation

1.1.4 Cell differentiation

1.1.5 Microscopy

1.2 1.2.1 Chromosomes

Cell
division 1.2.2 Mitosis and the cell cycle

1.2.3 Stem cells

1.3 1.3.1 Diffusion

Transport
in cells 1.3.2 Osmosis

Required practical 2

1.3.3 Active transport

AQA GCSE Biology Topic 1 Cell Biology biologywitholivia.co.uk

1.1 Cell structure

Fundamental biological concept / principle 1

“The structure and functioning of cells and how they divide by mitosis and meiosis
from sections Cell biology and Meiosis.”

Students should be able to recall and use this knowledge in questions that link different areas of the
specification in either paper.

1.1.1 Eukaryotes and prokaryotes

What are eukaryotic cells?

● Cells with genetic material (DNA) enclosed in a nucleus

● Plant and animal cells

What are prokaryotic cells?

● Cells with genetic material (DNA) not enclosed in a nucleus

● Bacterial cells
● Much smaller in comparison

Describe the genetic material in a prokaryotic cells

● A single loop of DNA

● May also have small rings of DNA called plasmids

What are the features of all eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells?

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What is an order of magnitude?

● A power to the base 10 used to quantify and compare size
● 10 (101) times bigger = 1 order of magnitude bigger, 100 times (102) bigger = 2 order of magnitudes bigger

Exam insight: common misconception ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“A prokaryotic cell doesn’t have DNA.” Despite not having a nucleus, it still has DNA (found in cytoplasm).

Example application questions 📈

A species of amoeba measures 10 μm in ● Diameter of amoeba: 10 μm = 10 x 10-6 = 1 x 10-5 m
diameter. The diameter of a human egg cell is ● Diameter of egg cell: 0.1 mm = 0.1 x 10-3 = 1 x 10-4 m
0.1 mm. Calculate the difference in orders of ● Difference in order of magnitude: 5 - 4 = 1
magnitude between them. (2)

The diameter of a liver cell is 2.5 x 10-5 m and a ● (2.5 x 10-5)/(2.0 x 10-7) = 125 times larger
bacterial cell is 2.0 x 10-7 m. Calculate how many ● 125 ≈ 100 = 2 orders of magnitude larger
times larger the liver cell is than the bacterial
cell. Determine how many orders of magnitude
larger the liver cell is than the bacterial cell. (2)

1.1.2 Animal and plant cells

Describe the function of sub-cellular structures in animal and plant cells

1. Cell membrane Controls movement of substances in and out of cell

2. Cytoplasm Gel-like substance where chemical reactions take place

3. Nucleus Contains genetic material (DNA) → controls activities of cell

4. Mitochondria Site of aerobic respiration → releases energy from glucose

5. Ribosomes Site of protein synthesis

Describe the function of additional sub-cellular structures in plant cells

6. Cell wall Made of cellulose → strengthens cell (algal cells have one too)

7. Chloroplasts Contain chlorophyll → to absorb light for photosynthesis to make glucose

8. Permanent vacuole Filled with cell sap → help keep cell turgid / support plant

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How could you estimate the relative size or area of sub-cellular structures?
Find a shape that resembles it → apply the rules normally used to calculate the size / area of that shape

Compare the sub-cellular structures in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Animal cell Plant cell Bacterial cell

Cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, ribosomes ✔ ✔ ✔

Nucleus ✔ ✔ -

Mitochondria ✔ ✔ -

Cell wall - ✔ ✔

Chloroplasts, permanent vacuole - ✔ -

Plasmids - - ✔

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“Bacterial cells have They have no sub-cellular structures surrounded by a membrane, eg. nucleus,
mitochondria.” mitochondria, chloroplasts. They do still respire, but use other structures.

“The cell wall controls what Just like any other wall, the cell wall provides strength. The cell membrane is
moves in and out of the cell.” what controls what moves in and out of a cell.

Example application questions 📈

Compare the structure of a red
blood cell (RBC) with the structure
of a plant cell. (6)
● Both have cytoplasm and cell membrane
● RBC has no nucleus, plant cell does
● RBC has no cell wall, plant cell does
● RBC does not contain chloroplasts or chlorophyll, plant cell does
● RBC has no (permanent) vacuole, plant cell does
● RBC contains haemoglobin, plant cell don’t

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Required practical activity 1

Use a light microscope to observe, draw and label a selection of plant and animal cells.
A magnification scale must be included.

Describe how to prepare a microscope slide

1 ● Plant eg. onion cells: peel off thin layer of tissue

using forceps, place on water drop on slide
● Animal eg. cheek cells: swab inside cheek with a
cotton bud, smear onto centre of slide

2 Add a drop of stain with a pipette

3 Lower coverslip at an angle without trapping air bubbles

Describe how to use a microscope to view cells

1 Clip slide onto stage and turn on light

2 Select lowest power objective lens (usually x 4)

3 a. Use coarse focusing dial to move stage close to lens

b. Turn coarse focusing dial to move stage away from
lens until image comes into focus

4 Adjust fine focusing dial to get clear image

5 Swap to higher power objective lens, then refocus

How is the total magnification of a microscope calculated?

Magnification of eyepiece lens x magnification of objective lens eg. 10 x 4 = x 40

How can the sizes of cells be estimated using a microscope?

1. Measure diameter of field of view (by using microscope to observe a transparent ruler)
2. Divide this by number of cells that span field of view

What are the rules of scientific drawing?

✓ No sketching or shading - only use clear,

continuous lines (with a sharp pencil)
✓ Include a magnification scale (eg. x 400)
✓ Label important features eg. nucleus

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Example application questions

Why use a stain? (1) To make sub-cellular structures visible

Why is a thin layer of onion tissue used? (1) To let light pass through

Why is the cover slip lowered at an angle? (1) To avoid trapping air bubbles

Why is it easier to view cells using the low power ● Biggest / widest field of view
objective lens first? (1) ● Easier to focus

A student collected a sample of cells by taking a 1. Wear gloves / wash hands

saliva swab on the inside of their cheek. Explain ● Because stain is an irritant
one safety measure that the student should take 2. Disinfect work surfaces / dispose of used swabs
during this procedure. (2) ● To prevent spread of possible infection

How could a student observe structures within a Use a higher power objective lens (or use an electron
cell in greater detail? (1) microscope but a student wouldn’t have access)

1.1.3 Cell specialisation

Describe 3 examples of specialised cells in animals
Cell Function How is its structure related to its function?

Sperm cell Fertilise ● Long tail / flagellum → allows sperm to swim / move towards egg
an egg ● Many mitochondria → ↑ rate of respiration to release energy for swimming

Nerve cell Carry ● Long → carry electrical impulses / signals over long distances
electrical ● Many branches → connect to many other cells forming a network
impulses ● Insulation → speeds up transmission of impulses

Muscle cell Contract ● Many mitochondria → ↑ rate of respiration to release energy for contraction

Describe 3 examples of specialised cells in plants

Cell Function How is its structure related to its function?

Root Absorb water & ● Long projection → ↑ surface area for absorption of water by osmosis
hair cell mineral ions ● Many mitochondria → ↑ rate of respiration to release energy for active
from soil transport of mineral ions

Xylem Transport water ● Lignin in cell wall → strength to withstand pressure of water moving
cell & mineral ions ● Hollow tubes / no cytoplasm → water / mineral ions move easily
from roots to ● End walls between cells broken down → cells form a long tube so water /
leaves mineral ions can flow easily

Phloem Transport ● No nucleus → maximise space for movement of dissolved sugars

cell dissolved sugars ● Pores in end walls → dissolved sugars can move from cell to cell
up & down plant

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Example application question 📈

Root hair cells do not contain ● Not exposed to light / do not photosynthesise
chloroplasts. Suggest why. (1)

Suggest how a cell in the salivary ● Many ribosomes

glands would be adapted for ○ Ribosomes produce protein / amylase is a protein
producing amylase (enzyme). (2) ● Many mitochondria
○ Mitochondria release energy to make protein

1.1.4 Cell differentiation

What happens as a cell differentiates?

● It acquires different sub-cellular structures

● To enable it to carry out a certain function
● So it has become a specialised cell

When do animal cells differentiate?

● Most types differentiate at an early stage (embryo development)

● In mature animals, cell division mainly restricted to repair and replacement (eg. new blood / skin cells)

When do plant cells differentiate?

Many types retain the ability to differentiate throughout life.

Why is cell differentiation important?

● As an organism develops, cells differentiate to form different types of cells

● Specialised cells make different parts of the body / tissues / organs

Exam insight: common misconception ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“All cells are Stem cells remain in certain parts of the body, eg. bone marrow. These are
differentiated in adults.” undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into other cell types, eg. blood cells.

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Example application questions

Compare the process of ● Differentiation in animals occurs early in development / at an early stage
differentiation in animals ● Plant cells retain the ability to differentiate / have unspecialised cells
and plants. (2) capable of forming any cell required when mature

Explain the role of ● Differentiation determines cell shape / development of specific

differentiation in the
development of root hair
cells which allows them
to carry out their specific
function in plants. (3)
sub-cellular structures
● Grow extensions to give a large surface area to for rapid uptake of water
by osmosis
● Develop many mitochondria to release energy for active transport of
mineral ions

1.1.5 Microscopy
What is the difference between magnification and resolution?
● Magnification = number of times bigger image is compared to real object
● Resolution = shortest distance between 2 points that can be seen as separate points (level of detail)

What is the difference between light and

electron microscopes?

● Image formed using light in a light microscope, but

electrons in an electron microscope
● Magnification higher in electron microscopes
● Resolving power (resolution) higher in electron microscopes
○ So can study cells in much finer detail / see more
sub-cellular structures eg. ribosomes

Microscopy techniques have improved over time - light microscopes

first developed in the mid 17th century, electron microscopes from the 1930s.

List the steps in calculations involving magnification, real size & image size

1 Note formula / rearrange if necessary (I = AM)

2 Convert units if necessary - image and actual size

must be in same unit

3 Calculate answer and check units required or if

standard form is required

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How can you convert between different units?

Unit Equivalent number of metres

Centimetre (cm) 1/100 m 0.01 m 10-2 m

Millimetre (mm) 1/1000 m 0.001 m 10-3 m

Micrometre (µm) 1/1000000 m 0.000001 m 10-6 m

Nanometre (nm) 1/1000000000 m 0.000000001 m 10-9 m

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“An electron microscope is a Electricity and electrons are not the same thing. An electron
microscope that uses electricity.” microscope uses electrons to form an image.

“An electron microscope focuses This is too vague and is not a sufficient alternative to ‘higher resolution
better, or is clearer.” and magnification’.

Example application questions 📈

Suggest why ribosomes cannot be seen ● Too small
through a light microscope. (1) ● Do not have sufficient magnification or resolution

One muscle cell has a diameter of 0.15 mm. ● Formula: magnification = size of image / size of actual
When viewed with a microscope the muscle object
cell in the image had a diameter of 0.6 cm. ● Convert units: 0.6 cm = 6 mm
Calculate the magnification used. (2) ● Calculation: magnification = 6 mm / 0.15 mm = x 40

The actual length of a cell structure is 30 μm.
It is magnified 40 times. Calculate the length
of the magnified cell structure in mm. (3)
● Formula: size of image = size of actual object x
magnification
● Calculation: size of image = 30 μm x 40 = 1200 μm
● Convert to required units: to convert μm to mm, divide
by 1000 → 1200 μm / 1000 = 1.2 mm

The figure shows a root hair viewed using a
microscope at a magnification of x 50. The
image length of the root hair X-Y is 43 mm.
Calculate the real length of the root hair in
micrometres (µm). (4)
● Formula: size of actual object = size of image /
magnification
● Calculation: size of actual object = 43 mm / 50 = 0.86
mm
● Convert to required units: to convert mm to μm, multiply
by 1000 → 0.86 mm x 1000 = 860 µm

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1.2 Cell division

Fundamental biological concept / principle 1

“The structure and functioning of cells and how they divide by mitosis and meiosis from sections Cell biology
and Meiosis.”

Students should be able to recall and use this knowledge in questions that link different areas of the
specification in either paper.

1.2.1 Chromosomes
What are chromosomes?

● Tightly coiled strands of DNA molecules

● Found in nucleus of a cell
● Carries a large number of genes
(section of DNA that codes for a protein)

How are chromosomes arranged in the nucleus of a body cell?

In pairs eg. humans - 23 pairs, 46 total

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“All organisms have 46 chromosomes.” Different species have different numbers of chromosomes.

“Different cells in the body have different All cells in the body originate from a fertilised egg cell. This divides
genes / chromosomes / DNA.” by mitosis to form all the genetically identical cells of the body.

1.2.2 Mitosis and the cell cycle

Why is cell division by mitosis important?

● Parent cell divides to produce 2 genetically identical cells for…

○ Growth and development of multicellular organisms
○ Replacing (worn out or damaged) cells → repair damaged tissues

Give examples of contexts where mitosis is occurring

● Regular replacement of skin cells, blood cells, cells lining digestive system
● Growth of embryos into foetuses and beyond
● Plant root / shoot tips

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Describe the stages of the cell cycle, including mitosis

Cell cycle = series of stages in which a cell divides (DNA is doubled then divided into 2 identical cells)

Stage 1 ● DNA replicates to form 2 copies of each chromosome

● Cell growth - number of sub-cellular structures
increases such as ribosomes / mitochondria

Stage 2 ● One set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of cell

(mitosis) ● Nucleus divides to form two nuclei

Stage 3 ● Cytoplasm and cell membrane divide

● 2 genetically identical cells are formed

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“DNA divides before mitosis.” DNA has to replicate / double before mitosis, so that new cells formed
can each have the same number of chromosomes as the original cell.

“Mitosis repairs cells.” Mitosis creates new cells to replace damaged or dead ones, therefore
repairing the tissue (group of cells) but not the cells themselves.

Example application question 📈

Describe what is happening in the photograph of ● Cytoplasm and cell membrane dividing
this animal cell during a stage of the cell cycle. (2) ● To form 2 identical daughter cells

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1.2.3 Stem cells

What is a stem cell?

An undifferentiated cell which can:

1. Give rise to many more cells of the same type
2. Differentiate into certain other cells

Describe the two types of animal stem cells

Embryonic ● Found in early embryos, can

stem cells differentiate into any type of body cell

Adult stem ● Eg. found in bone marrow

cells ● Can differentiate into many (not all)
types of cell, eg. blood cells

What are the potential uses of stem cells in medicine?

Embryonic ● Can be cloned and made to differentiate into most cell types
stem cells ● Transplanted into patient to replace faulty / damaged cells
● Could treat (Type 1) diabetes (replace pancreas cells) and paralysis (replace nerve cells)

Adult ● Can only differentiate into some cell types

stem cells ● So can treat a smaller variety of diseases eg. bone marrow transplant for blood cancer

What is therapeutic cloning?

● Producing embryo with same genes as a patient (transfer patient cell nucleus to empty donor egg cell)
● Stem cells from embryo stimulated to divide to form any cells patient needs for medical treatment

What is the key advantage of therapeutic cloning?

Stem cells unlikely to be rejected by patient’s immune system

What are some issues associated with the use of stem cells in medicine?

● Transfer of viral infection

● Risk of rejection by immune system → have to take immunosuppressant drugs
● Ethical and religious objections eg. potential life destroyed / embryo cannot give consent

Describe stem cells in plants

● Found in meristem regions (growing regions) in roots and shoot tips

● Can differentiate into any type of plant cell, throughout a plant’s lifetime eg. xylem / phloem

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How can stem cells from meristems in plants be used?

To produce clones of plants quickly and economically, for example:

● Rare species to protect from extinction
● Crop plants with special features eg. disease resistance → large numbers of identical plants for farmers

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“People object to using stem cells from embryos as This is too vague. Instead describe ethical or religious
it is playing god, cruel and not natural.” objections, or destruction of a potential life.

“Stem cells are found in the stem of plants.” They are found in the root and shoot tips.

Example application questions 📈

Explain how a transplant of bone ● Cells differentiate into many / other types of (named) cell
marrow stem cells can treat ● So will cure diseases where cells are damaged / new cells
medical conditions. (2) needed / eg. paralysis / diabetes / blood cancers

Evaluate the use of stem cells from Embryos advantages

a patient’s own bone marrow
instead of stem cells from an
embryo. Give a conclusion to your
answer. (6)
● Can treat a wider variety of diseases as can differentiate into
any type of cell
● Can create many embryos in a lab
● Painless technique, whereas embryo procedure can be painful
and can risk infection

Bone marrow advantages

● No ethical issues / patient can give permission, whereas embryo
cannot consent and a potential life is destroyed
● More reliable / tried and tested technique
● Procedure is (relatively) safe and doesn’t kill donor

Conclusion, eg. the potential of embryonic stem cells to treat more

diseases and relieve human suffering makes them a better option.

Give two advantages of using stem ● Cells will not be rejected

cells made from a person’s own ● Adult can give consent
cells, over embryonic stem cells. (2) ● No risk of damage to embryo / no (potential) life destroyed

Suggest two disadvantages of ● Potential life is destroyed

therapeutic cloning. (2)
● Shortage of egg donors
● Egg collection has risks
● Do not yet know risks / side effects of procedure on patient
● May transfer (viral) infection
● Poor success rate (to produce viable eggs / embryo)

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1.3 Transport in cells

1.3.1 Diffusion
What is diffusion?

● Spreading out of particles of a gas or substances in solution causing a…

● Net movement from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower conc. (down a conc. gradient)

Give examples of substances transported in / out of cells by diffusion

● Oxygen and carbon dioxide in gas exchange
● Urea (a waste product) out of cells into blood plasma for excretion (removal) in the kidney

Describe 3 factors that increase rate of diffusion

1. Increasing concentration gradient (difference in concentrations)

2. Increasing temperature (so increasing kinetic energy)
3. Increasing surface area of membrane

How is surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) calculated?

Divide surface area (size length x side width x number of sides) by volume (length x width x depth)

How are single-celled organisms able to transport enough molecules in and

out to meet their needs?

Have a (relatively) large surface area to volume ratio (and short diffusion distance)

Explain why multicellular organisms require exchange surfaces and

transport systems?

● Surface area to volume ratio is too small

● Diffusion distance too long (some cells too far from surface)
● So diffusion rate per unit volume too slow

Describe how the effectiveness of an exchange surface is increased

1. Increased surface area of cell membrane

2. Thin wall / membrane to provide a short diffusion path
3. (In animals) efficient blood supply
4. (In animals, for gaseous exchange) being ventilated

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Explain how the small intestine is adapted for exchanging materials

1. Internal surface covered in many projections (villi) → ↑

surface area to maximise diffusion
2. Wall of villi are thin / one cell thick → short diffusion distance
3. Good blood supply to villi → moves food molecules away to
maintain a steep conc. gradient
4. Very long → increasing time for absorption
5. Many mitochondria in cells → ↑ respiration to transfer energy
for active transport

Explain how the lungs are adapted for gas exchange

1. Large number of alveoli (tiny air sacs)→ increase surface area to maximise diffusion
2. Walls of alveoli / capillary one cell thick → short diffusion distance
3. Alveoli have a good blood supply → remove O2 quickly to maintain a steep conc. gradient
4. Ventilation → brings in O2 to maintain a steep concentration gradient

Explain how gills in fish are adapted for gas exchange

1. Many projections → ↑ surface area to maximise diffusion

2. Very thin → short diffusion distance
3. Good blood supply → remove O2 quickly to maintain a steep conc. gradient

Explain how plant roots are adapted for exchanging materials

1. Many root hairs, root hair cells have long projections → ↑ surface area to maximise diffusion
2. Hairs are one cell thick / thin → short diffusion distance
3. Many mitochondria in cells → ↑ respiration to transfer energy for active transport

Explain how plant leaves are adapted for exchanging materials

1. Flattened shape, many stomata (pores) and internal air spaces → ↑ surface area
2. Thin → short diffusion distance

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“Diffusion involves movement along No clear indication of direction. To get the marks, state that particles
or across a concentration gradient.” move down a conc. gradient, or from a high to low conc.

“Diffusion requires energy.” Diffusion is a passive process as it doesn’t require energy from
respiration. It is only dependent on the kinetic energy of particles.

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Example application questions

Explain why a fish may die in water with a
low concentration of oxygen. (4)
● Concentration gradient is shallower / less steep
● So less oxygen diffuses into blood / cells / gills
● So less aerobic respiration so less energy released OR
more anaerobic respiration so less energy released
● So less metabolism OR lactic acid is produced

Emphysema causes the walls of the air sacs ● Less diffusion

in lungs to break down. Explain how this will ● Reduced surface area
affect diffusion of gases in / out of blood. (2)

Cube X represents a bacterial cell, cube Y Cube X SA:V = 30000:1

represents a small multicellular organism. ● Surface area - 0.00022 x 6 = 2.4 x 10-7
● Divide by volume - 0.00023 = 8 x 10-12

Cube Y SA:V = 0.55:1

A bacterial cell can absorb all the nutrients it
needs by diffusion through its outer surface.
Explain why a multicellular organism cannot
absorb all the nutrients it needs by diffusion
through its outer surface. You must include
calculations in your answer. (5)
● Surface area = 112 x 6 = 726
● Divide by volume = 113 = 1331
● Diffusion distance is longer in multicellular organism OR
volume supplied by each unit of surface area is greater
in multicellular organism
● So diffusion rate per unit volume is slower in a
multicellular organism

1.3.2 Osmosis
What is osmosis?

● Diffusion of water
● From a dilute solution (high water conc.) to a more concentrated solution (low water conc.)
● Through a partially permeable membrane

Exam insight: common misconception ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“Water moves from a high to Unless water concentration is referenced, it is assumed that the concentration
low concentration.” to which is being referred is the solute (eg. sugar) concentration. The only
acceptable ways of describing osmosis are ‘from a high to low water
concentration’ or ‘from a dilute to a more concentrated solution’.

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Example application questions

When placed into a beaker of water a red blood ● Water enters cells by osmosis
cell bursts but a plant cell doesn’t. Explain why. ● Plant cell has a cell wall (prevents it from bursting)
(2)

A high concentration of glucose in the blood can ● Water moves out of cells
harm body cells as a result of osmosis. ● From dilute to more concentrated solution
Explain why. (4) ● Across partially permeable membranes
● Causing cells to shrink / get smaller

A person with cystic fibrosis has thick mucus. The ● Osmosis

diagram shows how, in a healthy person, cells at ● More concentrated solution outside cell / in mucus
the lung surface move chloride ions into the ● Water moves from dilute to more concentrated
mucus surrounding the air passages. solution
● Across partially permeable membrane (of cell)

Explain why movement of chloride ions causes

water to pass out of the cells into the mucus. (3)

Required practical 2
Investigate the effect of a range of concentrations of salt or sugar solutions on the mass of plant tissue.

Describe a method to investigate the effect of a range of concentrations of

sugar solutions on the mass of plant tissue

1. Use a scalpel / cork borer to cut up a potato (remove peel) into 6 identical size cylinders
2. Blot dry then measure initial mass of each
3. Place each in a different concentration of sugar solution for 24 hours
4. Blot potato dry with paper towel then measure final mass of each
5. Percentage change in mass = (change in mass / starting mass) x 100
6. Repeat and calculate a mean for each concentration
7. On a graph, plot % change in mass (y axis) against concentration of sugar solution (x
axis)

What are the independent, dependent and control variables?

● Independent - concentration of sugar solution

● Dependent - change in mass of plant tissue
● Control - volume of solution, temperature of solution, time in
solution, starting size / length / shape of potato, variety of potato

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Example application questions

Explain why a potato in [named solution] ● Gained water by osmosis

gained mass. (3) ● Through a partially permeable membrane
● As more dilute solution outside cells / cell contents are
more concentrated than solution

Explain why a potato in [named solution] ● No net gain / loss of water by osmosis
didn’t change mass. (2) ● Solution conc. inside cells = solution conc. outside cells

Why dry each piece of potato before ● Make sure only potato mass was measured
weighing it? (1) ● Remove excess water on outside

Why calculate % change in mass? (1) ● Starting masses vary slightly / allow comparison

How can the concentration of sugar solution ● Identify concentration of sugar solution where the line of
inside the potato cells be determined? (1) best fit intercepts 0% change in mass on graph

1.3.3 Active transport

What is active transport?

● Movement of substances from a dilute to a more concentrated solution (against a conc. gradient)
● Requires energy from respiration

Give examples of active transport

● Absorption of mineral ions from soil into plant root hair cells → for healthy growth
● Absorption of sugar molecules from gut to blood → for cellular respiration to release energy

Exam insight: common misconceptions ❌

Misconception Why is this wrong?

“Water can move by active transport.” Water only moves by osmosis.

“Respiration creates energy for active transport.” Energy cannot be created. Respiration releases energy.

Example application question 📈

Explain why a plant
growing in soil flooded
with water cannot
absorb enough nitrate
ions. (5)
● Ions absorbed by active transport
● Movement of ions against concentration gradient / from a dilute to a more
concentrated solution
● Requires energy from respiration
● Respiration requires oxygen
● No / little oxygen / air in water-logged soil

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